A Smarter Foundation Option for Steel Buildings

Choosing the right foundation is one of the most important decisions in any steel building project — and one of the least understood.

Econoslab® is an engineered foundation system designed specifically for pre-engineered steel buildings. It combines slab and footing into a single, integrated solution that can simplify construction, reduce timelines, and eliminate unnecessary complexity for many projects.

Kodiak Metal Buildings is an authorized Econoslab dealer, and we work with Econoslab as part of a coordinated, engineered approach — not as a one-size-fits-all product.

What Is Econoslab?

Econoslab is a proprietary foundation system that integrates:

• the concrete slab
• the building footing
• and the structural connection points

into one engineered design.

Instead of separate strip footings, frost walls, and slabs poured in stages, Econoslab is designed as a single foundation system that works in tandem with your steel building.

The result is a cleaner, more efficient foundation process — when the site and building are well suited for it.

Why Econoslab Makes Projects Easier

For the right application, Econoslab can simplify several parts of the build process.

Fewer Steps

Traditional foundations often involve multiple phases: excavation, forming, footings, curing, backfilling, and then the slab. Econoslab reduces that complexity by combining these elements into a single engineered system.

Faster Timelines

Because the foundation is designed as one integrated pour, Econoslab can shorten foundation timelines and reduce coordination issues between trades.

Designed for Steel Buildings

Econoslab isn’t adapted from residential construction — it’s engineered specifically for steel building loads, column placement, and structural requirements.

Cleaner Coordination

When the foundation and building are designed together, there’s less guesswork, fewer revisions, and a smoother transition from foundation to steel erection.

Where Econoslab Is a Good Fit

Econoslab is commonly used for:

• Garages and workshops
• Agricultural buildings
• Storage buildings
• Light commercial structures

It’s especially effective when:

• the site conditions are suitable
• the building loads fall within design parameters
• efficiency and simplicity are priorities

When Econoslab May Not Be the Right Choice

This part matters — and skipping it would be dishonest.

Econoslab isn’t ideal for every project. Factors that can affect suitability include:

• soil conditions
• building size and load requirements
• site slope or drainage considerations
• municipal or engineering constraints

That’s why Econoslab should never be treated as a default option. It needs to be evaluated early and engineered properly.

Why Working with an Authorized Dealer Matters

Kodiak Metal Buildings is an authorized Econoslab dealer, which means:

• we understand where Econoslab works best
• we coordinate foundation design with building engineering
• we ensure the foundation and steel structure are designed as a system

This avoids the common issue of foundations and buildings being designed in isolation — a problem that often leads to delays, revisions, or unnecessary cost.

Econoslab vs Traditional Foundations (In Simple Terms)

Econoslab isn’t about cutting corners.
It’s about cutting unnecessary steps.

For the right project, it can:

• reduce construction time
• simplify scheduling
• streamline coordination
• deliver a clean, engineered foundation solution

For other projects, a traditional foundation may still be the better choice. Our role is to help you understand which approach fits your building and site — not to push one option over another.

The Kodiak Approach

At Kodiak, Econoslab is part of a broader conversation about:

• how your building will be used
• how it will be built
• and how smoothly the project should move from start to finish

If Econoslab makes sense, we’ll recommend it.
If it doesn’t, we’ll explain why — and design accordingly.

Final Thought

Foundations aren’t the most exciting part of a steel building — but they’re one of the most important.

Econoslab offers a smart, engineered option that can simplify the process and reduce friction when conditions are right. The key is understanding when it works — and working with a team that knows how to design it properly.

Wondering if Econoslab is right for your project?

Request a quote and we’ll help you evaluate foundation options based on your site, building type, and long-term plans.